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Pronunciation:

(gwye FEN e sin, soo doe e FED rin, & KOE deen)

U.S. Brand Names:

Cheratussin DAC; Codafed® Expectorant; Codafed® Pediatric Expectorant; Guiatuss™ DAC®; Mytussin® DAC; Nucofed® Expectorant; Nucofed® Pediatric Expectorant; Nucotuss® [DSC]

Synonyms:

Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine; Pseudoephedrine, Guaifenesin, and Codeine

Generic Available:

Yes

Canadian Brand Names:

Benylin® 3.3 mg-D-E; Calmylin with Codeine

Use:

Temporarily relieves nasal congestion and controls cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation; helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive

Restrictions:

C-III; C-V

Pregnancy Risk Factor:

Lactation:

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Adverse Reactions:

See individual agents.

Drug Interactions:

See individual agents.

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics:

See individual agents.

Dosage:

Oral:

Children 6-12 years: 5 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 40 mL/24 hours

Children >12 years and Adults: 10 mL every 4 hours, not to exceed 40 mL/24 hours

Patient Education:

See individual agents. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment:

Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment:

Codeine: Xerostomia (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation).

Guaifenesin: No significant effects or complications reported

Pseudoephedrine: Xerostomia (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation).

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions:

Use with caution since pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine which could interact with epinephrine to cause a pressor response

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status:

Guaifenesin may cause drowsiness or dizziness; pseudoephedrine may cause anxiety or restlessness; codeine may cause drowsiness; may cause euphoria, confusion, insomnia, hallucinations, or depression

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment:

Concurrent use with psychotropics may produce additive sedation or lessen the effects of anxiolytics depending on whether the effects of guaifenesin/codeine or pseudoephedrine predominate; concurrent use with MAO inhibitors may result in hypertensive crisis; avoid combination

Dosage Forms:

[DSC] = Discontinued product

Liquid (Cheratussin DAC): Guaifenesin 100 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg, and codeine phosphate 10 mg per 5 mL (480 mL) [sugar free]

Syrup:

Codafed® Expectorant: Guaifenesin 200 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 60 mg, and codeine phosphate 20 mg per 5 mL (480 mL) [wintergreen flavor]

Codafed® Pediatric Expectorant: Guaifenesin 100 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg, and codeine phosphate 10 mg per 5 mL (480 mL) [strawberry flavor]

Guiatuss™ DAC: Guaifenesin 100 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg, and codeine phosphate 10 mg per 5 mL (480 mL)

Mytussin® DAC: Guaifenesin 100 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg, and codeine phosphate 10 mg per 5 mL (120 mL, 480 mL) [sugar free; contains alcohol 1.7%; strawberry-raspberry flavor]

Nucofed® Expectorant, Nucotuss® Expectorant [DSC]: Guaifenesin 200 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 60 mg, and codeine phosphate 20 mg per 5 mL (480 mL) [contains alcohol 12.5%; cherry flavor]

Nucofed® Pediatric Expectorant: Guaifenesin 100 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg, and codeine phosphate 10 mg per 5 mL (480 mL) [contains alcohol 6%; strawberry flavor]

International Brand Names:

Benylin® 3.3 mg-D-E (CA); Calmylin with Codeine (CA)

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